Wednesday 9 August 2023

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie Review

Introduction Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie poster

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age movie based on the novel of the same name, written by Stephen Chbosky. The movie was released in 2012 and directed by Chbosky himself. It stars Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller in lead roles.

The movie revolves around Charlie (Lerman), a high school freshman who is struggling to fit in with his peers and is dealing with his past traumas. He soon befriends two seniors, Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller), who introduce him to new experiences including music, freedom, and love.

The movie is a heart-wrenching yet heartwarming take on the teenage experience. It dives deep into issues such as mental health, sexuality, and abuse, while also tackling themes of friendship, first love, and growing up.

The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, with Lerman perfectly capturing the vulnerability of the character Charlie, Watson delivering a stellar performance as the free-spirited Sam, and Miller stealing the show as the flamboyant and hilarious Patrick.

Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an emotionally charged, relatable, and authentic movie that captures the essence of teenage angst and growing up. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong or struggled to find their place in the world.

Plot Summary Review:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Movie Poster

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is a coming-of-age drama that follows the life of teenager Charlie (Logan Lerman), who is struggling to find his place in high school. Charlie is a wallflower, a shy and introspective student who struggles with mental health issues, but he finds solace in the form of two seniors: Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller).

The movie covers a number of important issues that teens face, including mental health, substance abuse, and sexuality. Despite the heavy themes, the movie manages to stay light-hearted and relatable, thanks to the strong performances of its cast. Whether it's the awkwardness of first love or the pain of feeling like an outsider, there is something in this movie that everyone can relate to.

The cinematography is also worth noting, as it adds to the overall mood of the film. The use of music is particularly effective, as it helps to transport the audience back to the 1990s setting and adds another layer of nostalgia to the story. From the costumes to the set design, the attention to detail in this movie is impressive.

Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, cry, and feel every other emotion in between. If you haven't seen it already, it's definitely worth adding to your must-watch list.

Characters and their backgrounds Review The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie poster

The Perks of Being a Wallflower was released in 2012, and it is a coming-of-age drama film based on a novel written by Stephen Chbosky. The movie highlighted the struggles of teenagers who are discovering themselves as they navigate through high school, friendship, and family. The main character, Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), is a shy freshman who is struggling to fit in with his peers. Alongside him are his two friends: the outspoken and eccentric Patrick (Ezra Miller) and the beautiful but mysterious Sam (Emma Watson).

The three main characters in the movie have complex backgrounds that complement their unique personalities. Charlie was grappling with the emotional trauma of losing his best friend to suicide, and he found solace in music and books. Meanwhile, Patrick struggled with his relationship with Brad, a closeted gay jock at school, while Sam had a problematic family history, which she tries to hide from her friends.

Throughout the movie, viewers get to experience the journey of the three friends as they support each other through their trials and tribulations. The group's bond is deepened by their shared experiences, which include attending school dances, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and participating in shadowy acts of rebellion.

In conclusion, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a poignant and heartwarming story about friendship, love, and growing up. The movie's vibrant and endearing characters leave a lasting impression on the viewers. The film reminds us that everyone, regardless of their background or struggles, deserves to be accepted and loved for who they are.

Setting and Location Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

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A scene from the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Setting

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartwarming coming-of-age film that takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the early 1990s. The movie depicts the life of a teenage boy named Charlie, who struggles to cope with the recent suicide of his best friend and the emotional trauma of his past. The majority of the movie is set in a high school, but various scenes take place in the suburbs and the city, which creates an incredible visual journey for the audience.

The Location

The entire film feels like it was shot on location in Pittsburgh. The beautiful cityscape and skyline are on full display while Charlie and his friends explore the city. The suburban locations provide a sense of home life and the quaint mundanity of life in the suburbs. The high school scenes are fascinating because the filmmakers chose an abandoned school that had been closed for years to serve as the backdrop, which added a layer of authenticity to the movie.

The Impact

The Perks of Being a Wallflower uses the setting and location to make a powerful impact on the audience. The film's ability to take on difficult themes, such as trauma, mental health, and sexuality, is a testament to the filmmakers' skill drenched in the scene's melancholic mood that quells down to show the shining hope about life. The setting and location provide a great deal of context for the characters' lives and the challenges they face, helping the viewers feel more connected to the story and the struggles of the characters.

In conclusion, the setting and location of The Perks of Being a Wallflower play an important role in making the movie a success. The beautiful vistas of Pittsburgh, combined with the rundown school and the mundane suburban areas, create a visual journey for viewers that leave an everlasting impact on their minds. The filmmakers' ability to use the location to contextualize the characters' lives makes the film more accessible to a broad audience and adds a layer of authenticity to a movie that is already emotionally raw.

Cinematography and Visual Effects in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Movie Poster

Cinematography

The cinematography in The Perks of Being a Wallflower effectively captures the mood and tone of the film. The use of color, lighting, and camera angles enhances the emotional impact of the story. The scenes are composed with care, and the visual style creates a nostalgic, dreamlike atmosphere that complements the coming-of-age theme. The cinematography is particularly effective in capturing the characters' inner turmoil, with close-up shots and shallow depth of field used to convey their emotions.

Visual Effects

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is not heavy on visual effects, but the few that are used are executed well. The film features a few animated sequences that are both imaginative and striking. These sequences are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, and they add to the emotional resonance of the story. The visual effects serve to enhance the film's themes of personal growth and self-discovery.

Overall Impression

The cinematography and visual effects in The Perks of Being a Wallflower effectively enhance the emotional resonance of the story. The dreamlike visual style and effective use of color and composition create a memorable and emotionally impactful film. The visual effects are used sparingly but effectively, adding to the film's thematic depth. Overall, the film is a visual treat that complements the strong performances and poignant story.

In conclusion, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a well-crafted film that effectively uses cinematography and visual effects to enhance its emotional impact. Fans of coming-of-age stories and visually striking films should definitely give this one a watch.

Sound and Music Review The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

Sound and Music Review The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Soundtrack

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012) is an emotional rollercoaster of a movie with a stunning soundtrack, featuring bands like David Bowie, The Smiths, and New Order. The soundtrack is an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and alternative music from the '80s and '90s. The songs not only set the tone of the movie but also act as a backdrop to the life of the protagonist, Charlie.

The Score

In addition to the fantastic songs featured in the movie, Michael Brook's original score perfectly captures the coming-of-age vibe of the story. His use of simple yet melodic piano pieces combined with string arrangements makes for a heartfelt and emotive listening experience. The score's standout track is "Charlie's Last Letter," which effectively conveys the movie's poignant and introspective moments.

The Sound Design

The sound design of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is notable for its attention to detail, as it builds tension in crucial moments of the story. Sound mixer, Gregg Rudloff, has done a remarkable job of creating a believable soundscape for the movie. The audio mix is well-balanced, adding depth to the visuals and complementing the music effectively.

The Verdict

Overall, "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" features a masterful use of sound and music that elevates the movie to another level. The score and soundtrack work in tandem to create an immersive experience that makes the audience feel like they're inside Charlie's head. The sound design deserves equal praise for its contribution to the movie's overall atmosphere. If you're a fan of music and movies, this one is definitely worth a watch and a listen.

Themes and Messages Conveyed in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower movie poster

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age movie that tackles several complex themes and messages. The movie's central character, Charlie, is a high school freshman who's struggling to cope with his best friend's death and his mental health issues. The film delicately approaches themes of mental health, sexuality, and friendship with the right sensitivity it deserves.

The movie's primary message is about accepting who you are and being true to yourself. Charlie's character is someone who's trying to fit in and understand his place in the world. Throughout the movie, he learns to accept himself, flaws, and everything.

The theme of friendship is another crucial aspect of the movie. Charlie's social awkwardness makes it difficult for him to make friends. However, he eventually befriends Sam and Patrick, two seniors who introduce him to new experiences and help him navigate his issues. The movie makes it clear that true friendships go beyond the surface level.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower also explores themes of sexuality, abuse, and trauma. It portrays the aftermath of traumatic events and how it affects individuals differently. The movie reinforces the idea of seeking help and talking about your issues with someone you trust.

In conclusion, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a powerful and moving movie that has a lot to offer. It's a story about friendship, self-discovery, and acceptance. The themes and messages conveyed in the movie are timeless and relatable to people of all ages. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants a heartwarming and touching coming-of-age story.

Critical Reception and Reviews Review The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

Perks of Being a Wallflower Movie Poster

The Plot

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a 2012 coming-of-age movie that revolves around Charlie, a high school freshman who is struggling with various mental health issues. While dealing with these issues, he finds solace in his friendship with step-siblings Sam and Patrick. The movie takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions and explores themes of love, friendship, adolescence, and mental health.

The Critical Reviews

The movie received widespread critical acclaim for its portrayal of sensitive themes. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie an 86% approval rating, with many critics praising the performances of the lead cast - Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller. The way the movie tackled mental health issues was praised for being sincere and realistic, and the soundtrack, which features songs from artists like The Smiths and David Bowie, received widespread praise as well.

The Audience's Response

The movie was also well-received by audiences and developed a cult following over the years. Many people related to the characters' struggles and found the movie to be relatable and authentic. It was also noted for its depiction of the 90s era, which was praised for being an accurate representation of the time. Many fans of the book, which the movie is based on, appreciated the way the movie stayed true to the source material.

In conclusion, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a must-watch coming-of-age movie that explores sensitive themes with sincerity and authenticity. Its realistic portrayal of mental health issues and themes of friendship and love make it a timeless classic in the genre. If you haven't seen it yet, make sure you do - you won't regret it.

Box Office performance and awards won Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama film based on the eponymous novel by Stephen Chbosky. Released in 2012, the movie features an impressive cast that includes Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller. The film tells the story of a shy and introverted teenager, Charlie, who navigates through high school life and deals with issues related to mental health, friendship, love, and family.

In terms of box office performance, The Perks of Being a Wallflower was a moderate success. The film grossed around $33 million worldwide against a production budget of $13 million. While it may not have been a huge commercial hit, the movie was praised by critics for its direction, screenplay, and acting performances.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower also received several award nominations and wins. The film was nominated for the Best Adapted Screenplay award at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Writers Guild of America Awards. Additionally, Logan Lerman won the Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actor award at the Young Artist Awards, and Emma Watson won the Best Supporting Actress award at the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards.

Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt and poignant movie that explores the complexities of adolescence in a sensitive and empathetic manner. While it may not have been a huge box office success, the film's critical acclaim and award recognition attest to its artistic merit and enduring appeal.

Reviewing The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie Review

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age movie that tells the story of a high school freshman named Charlie who is struggling to find his place in the world. The film deals with themes such as mental illness, sexuality, and abuse, but it does so in a very subtle and realistic manner. It is a well-written adaptation of the novel by Stephen Chbosky, who also directed the film.

One of the strengths of The Perks of Being a Wallflower is its cast. The actors, including Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, give powerful performances that bring the characters to life. They are able to convey the emotions and complexities of their characters in a way that is both authentic and relatable.

The film also has a great soundtrack that adds to the overall atmosphere of the movie. The songs are carefully selected to complement the scenes and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The cinematography is also impressive, with beautiful shots that capture the mood of the story.

Overall, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a wonderful movie that is worth watching. It is a poignant and heartfelt story that deals with important issues in a compassionate and realistic way. The film is a clear example of why it's always worth taking a chance on movies adapted from books, as it not only stays true to the original story but also brings it to life in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a coming-of-age movie that is emotionally resonant, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the perfect choice. The movie will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the challenges that young people face as they navigate their way through life. It is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled and is definitely worth the watch.

Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) Movie

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) is a coming-of-age movie that is based on the novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky. The movie captures the essence of adolescence and the struggles teenagers face while trying to find themselves. With a talented cast and brilliant direction, this movie is truly a masterpiece that will leave you feeling nostalgic and emotional.

Plot Summary

The movie follows the story of Charlie (Logan Lerman), a introverted high school freshman who is struggling to cope with the recent suicide of his friend. He is taken under the wing of two seniors, Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller), who show him the ropes and introduce him to drugs, parties, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. As Charlie starts to come out of his shell, he begins to confront his own dark past and discover his true identity.

Performance

The performances in this movie are outstanding. Logan Lerman portrays the quiet and reserved Charlie with such subtlety and nuance that you can't help but empathize with him. Emma Watson, who was fresh off the Harry Potter franchise at the time, delivers a stunning turn as the charismatic and free-spirited Sam. Ezra Miller, who plays Patrick, steals every scene he's in with his energy and charisma. Together, they create a trio that is both heartwarming and relatable.

Direction

Stephen Chbosky, who wrote and directed the movie, did an incredible job of adapting his own novel for the screen. The movie captures the feeling of being a teenager, the highs and lows, with such authenticity that it's impossible not to feel nostalgic. The soundtrack is spot-on and adds another layer of emotion to the already poignant scenes.

Final Thoughts

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a beautifully crafted movie that captures the essence of adolescence in all its glory and turmoil. If you're a fan of coming-of-age movies, then this one is a must-watch. It will leave you feeling emotional and nostalgic long after the credits roll. So, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot, and get ready to be transported back to your teenage years.

Until we meet again, happy watching! Don't forget to share this review with your family and friends.

Review The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (2012) Movie